Window Display

I have been going to Cossetta's quite a bit lately and have posted photos of the food and wonderful gelato that I have been consuming while there. In a window that faces the inside of the restaurant sits this model of a church that I assume was originally a part of the Italian community.  Behind the model and the plate glass window you can see an apartment complex across the street. The young student employees were not able to give me any answers about the significance of the church so I'll just have to go back to research (and eat more chocolate gelato!). 

More Cossetta Goodies!

Last Sunday I introduced you to Cossetta's. It has become a lodestone for me since I rediscovered their gelato and pastries.  Can't decide whether I prefer a piccolo cup of chocolate and mango or chocolate or mint.  I'll have to keep returning to see if their are other flavors that are even better. And, while I'm sampling and testing flavours, perhaps some pastry delights need to be examined also.

Claddagh Coffee, Dog Friendly Cafe

A former colleague, Colleen, and I took her dog and Wild Wendy to Claddagh Coffee, a charming cafe on W. 7th Street in St. Paul, first checking to see if dogs are allowed. For the past six years, this cafe has had no complaints from other customers and even provides doggie treats.  Guess they will see us as regular customers.

Colleen with Brio, her Coton de Tulear, and Wild Wendy, my premier-rescue toy poodle mix who has just been sheared. From now on I hope to do the grooming myself, but I doubt that Colleen will attempt the same with Brio!

When I asked Colleen about her dog's breed, this is her response:

It is a Coton de Tulear, official dog of Madagascar, and thought to have arrived on ships into the port town of Tulear back in the 1700’s. To begin with it was the “royal” dog of Madagascar. Now, as George [another of our friends says,] they are all over the place there.

Cacao Pods

Here is another informative sign that explained one of the plants that I saw the last time I visited the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park in St. Paul.

Linked to Signs, signs

Villa Bellezza

La dolce vita, La belle vie, La buena vida... the sweet life.

Come join us to experience the Mediterranean on the Mississippi!

Despite that it was a slightly overcast day, DH and I drove along the Mississsippi River on the Wisconsin side to see the last blaze of autumn colours. The rolling hills and small towns add to the pleasure of this charming road trip. I noticed the Villa Bellezza winery in Pepin, Wisconsin and decided that I need to return before the snow flies to indulge in some wine tasting per their invitation  (above) on their website.

Flowers for a Dreary Day

Yesterday was filled with sunshine and beautiful autumn scenes.  Today? Rainy, damp and dreary! There is only one way to lighten one's spirits. . . looking at the natural beauty of flowers.  Again, here are a few lovely plants from the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park in St. Paul.

Cossetta's

Everytime I go into Cossetta's to do some shopping, I feel like I have died and gone to heaven. The owners definitely had vision a few years ago when they expanded and added a few new shopping areas in the restaurant and grocery sections. It is wonderful that this Italian family has successfully continued their tasty business for several generations.

An Oasis in Winter

After the snow begins to fly, this will probably be a familiar scene in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park.  After a few months of shortened days and below zero temperatures, many photographers visit this wonderful place for a bit of green and a few blossoms. Although I visit it year round, I particulately appreciate it in the cold Minnesota winter months.

Last of the Season?

So glad that the weather is still holding! The leaves on the trees, especially the red maples, are brilliant in colour.  I didn't expect to see these lovely blossoms floating in an outdoor pond at Como Conservatory, but I was happy to be able to enjoy them still!

It's that time again!

It seems that there are fewer Halloween decorations in the neighbourhood this year.  There are still about 12 days before the big candy event, but in past years more homes would be decorated by this time. I guess Ill have to broaden my field and roam around the neighbourhood a bit more.

Library Returns

Utility containers of all kinds have gotten new life when decorated as a part of public art on city streets.  My local branch library did a terrific job of brightening the book return box. Behind the readers using both book and kindle are downtown buildings: the Main Library, Landmark Center, 1st National Bank and other commerical buildings.

Linking to Signs, signs

Orange is the new Mum

While shopping at Trader Joe's Saturday morning I stopped to admire the array of the many different colored mums on display.  I couldn't resist this shade; perfect color for my front steps to celebrate both autumn and Halloween. When I awakened to a light rain on Sunday morning the raindrops enhanced the perfect petals of each blossom on the plant.  So lovely!!~

Neighborhood Mural

These four details of a large mural depicts the neighborhood where DH, a friend and I had lunch last week.  It was a nice way to recognize the businesses and the residents, and a great way to decorate an older building.

Linking to Monday Mural

My favorite neighbor!

What a joy it is to have St. Kate's for a neighbor!  I get to roam the campus, enjoying the beautiful flowers, the pond with its ducks, turtles and fountain plus the friendly students and inspiring faculty. I have also attended many performances and lectures in this spacious auditorium.

Located on the scenic main campus of St. Catherine University in St. Paul, The O’Shaughnessy has held a unique place in the cultural landscape of the Twin Cities as both an arts presenter and rental hall since 1970. The O’Shaughnessy is conveniently located between the downtowns of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Canine Blossom

It's amazing what is found in planters these days!!

Linking to Saturday's Critters & Camera Critters

Orchid

In order to grow a beautiful orchid plant like this, I guess I would have to volunteer at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.  Can't tell you how many orchids I have failed as they quietly led a quiet death.

Indian Burial Mounds-Good Fences

I have posted photos of the Indian Mounds in St. Paul before but since last Monday Columbus Day was officially recognized in our country, I think it is again appropriate to recognize the First Nation people in the United States, many of whom are still living in poverty with significant health problems. There is a movement in four cities to rename the day, Indigenous Peoples Day, which I think is very appropriate.  It is also important to redress many of the issues that have plagued the Indians and the abuses visited upon them by our own government.

Palms Provide

Part of the enjoyment of strolling through the various rooms at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park are the signs that provide information about the various blossoms, vegetation and plants.  To learn about the history of the conservatory, click here.

Linking to signs, signs

Mellow Yellow -Coral Reef

Fall colors take center stage at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory’s annual Fall Flower Show. This year’s show will feature hundreds of chrysanthemums, ornamental peppers, and ornamental grasses that will fill the Sunken Garden with a stunning array of red, orange, yellow, gold, green, bronze, and maroon. The tradition of the annual Fall Flower Show began in 1915 when the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory first opened.  Today, the Conservatory hosts five season annual flower shows.

The chrysanthemum flower has been known since before 5000 BC in a small yellow form. Ancient China and Japan both have tales explaining how the chrysanthemum originated. The Chinese who considered them the highest of flowers, named their royal throne after the flower.  Chrysanthemum flowers have traditionally been boiled in China to make “chrysanthemum tea,” used in folk medicine for influenza patients. In landscaping, chrysanthemums are valued for the fact that they bloom in fall.  Chrysanthemum flowers are also a favorite of florists for arrangements, due to the longevity of their blooms. Credit: Como Zoo and Conservatory site).

Theme Day, October 1, 2017-"Sensual"

One of my favorite shops in Mazatlán, México is owned by a family that uses animal hides to make masks and wall hangings.  I have one of a mermaid hanging in my bathroom.  Since it did not photograph well, I am using two other favorites of mine as my interpretation of "sensual."

Go here to see a gallery of sensual objects posted by other CDP bloggers.